US Curriculum Guide 2022-23

Upper School Curriculum Guide

2022-23

Table of Contents

MVA Mission Statement.........................................................................................................................................3

MVA Upper School Overview...............................................................................................................................3

Graduation Requirements.....................................................................................................................................4

Sample Four-Year Plan...........................................................................................................................................5

Department Descriptions and Courses..............................................................................................................6

2

Mission Statement

To inspire students to become leaders with a passion for knowledge, global vision and innovation while

developing character in a nurturing and diverse community.

Upper School Overview

Academically, a school thrives when all members of a school community – administrators, teachers and

parents, are willing to become lifelong learners who inspire the community and focus on the development

of the whole child. Supporting this notion are four clear and simple principles which resonate throughout

the Montverde Academy Upper School:

1. A clear academic structure is essential. The educational blueprint provided inside and outside of

the classroom needs to be supported by a common vision, strategic plan and an application and/or

assessment process to measure the growth of the school.

2. Schools must accommodate the needs of the well-rounded student. This structure must include the

formation of a student’s character, the promotion of justice, the development of tomorrow’s leaders,

and a curriculum centered on challenging students to achieve their full potential. Students will be

motivated to achieve greatness by connecting to the community through service leadership.

3. Education is 100 percent relational. School communities are more successful when a plan is in place

to build relationships. Student development is nurtured in the classroom, on the playing fields and

stage, through the community service activities, and by student leadership opportunities through

leadership, service and advisement programs. Our educators and staff are dedicated and share their

genuine love of learning with their students as they get to know them throughout the school year.

4. The school is only as good as its team of educators. Our instructors believe in the mission of the

school, are lifelong learners and teachers of the whole child.

The academic culture at Montverde Academy is centered on the formation of relationships, which creates

a culture where young people can confidently pursue their passions with a goal of excellence, whether it is

in academics, athletics or the arts. Students engage in a rigorous but flexible curriculum designed to meet

the needs of our diverse and driven student body.

Our curriculum includes more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Each year, MVA students are

recognized each year by the College Board for their high performance on the associated AP exams, which

consistently exceeds the state and global average.

This document is intended to serve as a guide for students and families. As you consider the variety

of courses available at Montverde Academy, we encourage you to discuss opportunities with teachers,

guidance counselors, administrators, and alumni. As you plan your academic journey, take advantage of

the opportunity to discover and learn as much as you can. The goal is to design a course of study that is

personally challenging and interesting to you – a program in which you can be successful and maintain a

healthy balance with the other passions and responsibilities in your life.

A look at the academic life in the Upper School will reveal students and staff who are driven by a

commitment to an excellent academic structure and the development of the well-rounded student.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2022-23 3

Graduation Requirements Grades 9-12

2022-23 School Year

The recommended course load at Montverde Academy is designed to provide students with a strong

academic foundation across a broad range of subjects. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with

their guidance counselors to ensure they are meeting the requirements of MVA and of their prospective

colleges or universities.

Minimum Required Credits

Recommended Credits

English 1 4 4

Mathematics 2 3 (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) 4

Science 3 (Biology - 1 credit) 4

Social Studies 3 (U.S. History - 1 credit) 4

World Language 3 2 3

Physical Education 4 1 1

Fine/Media Arts 5 1 1

Electives 6 7 7

Community Service

25 hours per year at MVA; 100

hours prior to graduation

1

Students whose first language is not English must earn a minimum of 3 credits in English, including at least one full credit in

English I or higher.] NOTE: All Upper School students are required to be enrolled in at least one English course throughout

each academic year.

2

All students are required to take at least three years of mathematics in grades 9-12.

3

Students whose first language is English are required to take at least two consecutive years of the same world language in

grades 9-12.

4

Physical Education credits are earned by participating in a team sport, after school activities, or approved outside activities.

5

The Fine Arts credit is a requirement beginning with the Class of 2024.

6

The Class of 2023 must earn 8 elective credits. Montverde Academy students must earn a minimum of 24 credits and satisfy

the subject area requirements as specified above. Once a student enrolls at Montverde Academy, all credits must be earned at

the Academy, or approved by the Dean of the Upper School.

4

Sample Four-Year Plan – College Prep/Honors Track

Subject 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

English

(Refer to the

English course

continuum for

more information)

English I or

English I Honors

English II or

English II Honors

English III or

English III Honors

English IV or

English IV Honors

Social Studies

World History or

World History

Honors

Social Studies

electives

U.S. History or

U.S. History

Honors

Social Studies

electives

Mathematics

(Refer to math

continuum for

further information)

Algebra I,

Geometry, or

Algebra II (each

offered at the

College-Prep and

Honors Level)

Geometry, Algebra

II, or Pre-Calculus

(each offered at

the College-Prep

and Honors Level)

Algebra II,

Pre-Calculus,

Advanced Algebra

& Trigonometry

Advanced Algebra

& Trigonometry,

Math for College

Readiness, or

Statistics and

Probability

Science

(Refer to science

continuum for

further information)

Biology, Biology

Honors, or science

electives

Chemistry,

Chemistry Honors,

or science

electives

Science electives

Science electives

World Languages

French I or II

Spanish I, II or

Spanish for Native

and Heritage

Speakers

French II or III

Spanish II, III, or

Spanish for Native

and Heritage

Speakers

French III or IV

Spanish III or IV

French IV

Spanish IV


Academic Departments and Course Offerings

For detailed course descriptions, please visit

montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

English Department

It is the English Department’s goal to support the Montverde Academy mission statement and inspire

students to become analytical readers, critical thinkers, effective writers, and lifelong learners. In our studentcentered

classrooms, we guide our students to view themselves as critical communicators and help them

develop their voices so they can become active participants in global, economical, and social issues.

Throughout our English courses, students are exposed to variety of global literature, including a

foundational literature and writing focus in English I, a focus on the narrative form in English II, a focus on

American Literature in English III, and a focus on British Literature in English IV. Across all English courses,

students participate in the research process, evaluating sources, and presenting their findings in multimodal

ways.

The Montverde Academy English Department also offers both AP English Language and AP English

Literature to qualified 11th and 12th graders. In all levels of English, students are provided opportunities to

engage in literary, expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing that will meet the demands

of their future in higher education.

English Course Offerings:

ESL I, III, III

Creative Writing

English I

English I Honors

English II

English II Honors

English III

English III Honors

English IV

English IV Honors

Journalism I, II, III

AP ® English Language and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition

6

ESL Course Continuum

ESL Level I:

Composition,

Communications, Literature

ESL Level II:

Composition,


ESL Level III:

Composition,


English I

Creative Writing

NOTE: When A student earns a SLATE score of 4, he/she is moved into mainstream English. The English

course is determined by the student’s grade level and proficiency level.

English Course Continuum

English I

English I Honors

English II

English III

English IV

English II Honors

English III Honors

English IV Honors

AP English Language

& Composition

AP English Literature

& Composition

NOTE: Students who earn an A or B in college-prep English may request honors-level English the

following year.

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and school counselors to determine the

courses that best meet their academic needs and interests.


Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued...



Mathematics Department

The primary objective of the mathematics program at MVA is to support students as they become

mathematically-literate citizens who know the appropriate mathematical and technological tools to use and

know when to use them in various problem-solving settings. Students work in independent, small-group,

and whole-class settings to increase their mathematical confidence and their communication skills. The

types of problems and the learning environment in the mathematics classrooms foster persistence, critical

thinking, and reflection. All courses require students to communicate conceptual understanding (both

verbally and in written form), justify and explain results, and apply mathematics to real-world situations.

Mathematics Course Offerings:

Algebra I

Algebra II

Algebra II Honors

Geometry

Geometry Honors

Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus Honors

Math for College Readiness Statistics

and Probability

Calculus Honors

Statistics Honors

AP ® Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Statistics

8

Mathematics Course Continuum

Math 6/Course 1

Pre-Algebra/Course 2

Algebra I Honors

Algebra I

Geometry Honors

Geometry

Algebra II Honors

Algebra II

Pre-Calculus/Pre-Calulus

Honors

Choose from the following:

Advanced Algebra

and Trigonometry

Honors Calculus

AP Calculus A

Statistics

AP Statistics

AP Calculus BC

Math for College Readiness

Pre-Calculus




10




Science Department

The goal of science is to understand the universe and how it works. Science is a process and not a static

collection of facts. The objective of the science program is to foster a love of science and help students to

understand the process of science. The aim is for students to grow in science knowledge, learn to critically

analyze and interpret data, and to be observers in the world.

In science classes, students will experience science firsthand through experimentation and inquiry,

collaboration, and discussion. The goal is for students to leave their science classes with a greater

understanding of science concepts, enhanced critical thinking skills, and preparation for college and

career. Through many and varied course offerings, students can explore an interest in biology, engineering,

chemistry, physics, or the environment.

Students interested in further growth and knowledge in the sciences have many opportunities within the

STEM SAC program to connect with scientists, conduct independent research, and collaborate with other

science students outside the classroom experience

Science Course Offerings:

Anatomy and Physiology Honors

Biochemistry Honors (.5 credit)

Biology

Biology Honors

Chemistry

Chemistry Honors

Environmental Science 1 (.5 credit)

Environmental Science 2 (.5 credit)

Environmental Science Honors

Forensic Science 1 (.5 credit)

Forensic Science 2 (.5 credit)

Introduction to Engineering

Kinesiology

Marine Biology 1 (.5 credit)

Marine Biology 2 (.5 credit)

Physics

Physics Honors

Polymer Chemistry Honors (.5 credit)

Robotics

AP ® Biology

AP Chemistry

AP Environmental Science

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 2

AP Physics C


Life Science Emphasis College-Prep Track

SCIENCE

MATH

GRADE 9

Choice of two semester long (0.5

credit) Science Courses OR Biology

Algebra I

GRADE 10

Biology (College Prep) OR

Science Electives

Geometry

GRADE 11

Chemistry (College Prep) OR

Science Electives

Algebra II

GRADE 12

Physics OR

Science Electives

Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra

and Trigonometry, Math for College

Readiness, OR Statistics



12

Life Science Emphasis Advanced Track

SCIENCE

MATH

GRADE 9

Biology Honors OR

AP Biology

Geometry

GRADE 10

Chemistry Honors OR

AP Chemistry

Algebra II

GRADE 11

AP Chemistry, Physics Honors,

AP Physics I, AP Biology, OR AP

Environmental Sciences

Pre-Calculus OR

Pre-Calculus Honors

GRADE 12

AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP

Biology, OR AP Environmental

Sciences

AP Calculus AB




Physical Science Emphasis Regular/College-Prep Track

SCIENCE

MATH

GRADE 9

Choice of two semester-long (0.5

credit) science courses OR Biology

Algebra I

GRADE 10

Biology (Regular/College-Prep)

Geometry

GRADE 11

Chemistry OR Physics

Algebra II

GRADE 12

Chemistry OR Physics

Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra

and Trigonometry, Math for College

Readiness, OR Statistics



14

Physical Science Emphasis Advanced Track

SCIENCE

MATH

GRADE 9

Biology Honors OR AP Biology

Algebra II OR Algebra II Honors

GRADE 10

Chemistry Honors, Physics

Honors, OR AP Physics I

Pre-Calculus OR Pre-Calculus

Honors

GRADE 11

Physics Honors, AP Physics I,

OR AP Physics II

AP Calculus AB

GRADE 12

AP Physics II OR AP Physics C

AP Calculus BC







World Languages Department

Studying another language enhances the personal education of our students in many ways. Learning

a foreign language provides opportunities to communicate with others from many different cultures

and backgrounds. It opens doors to other perspectives, and helps a student acquire an objective

view of their own native language. As students progress through the program, they will gain a deeper

understanding, commitment, and respect for the path to fluency. Our offerings in French and Spanish

provide a strong foundation for language acquisition, encourage culture exploration, and strive to build

confidence and motivation for students to continue their world language and cultural studies throughout

high school and beyond.

World Languages Course Offerings:

Spanish I

Spanish II

Spanish III

Spanish IV

Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 1

Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 2

AP Spanish Language and Culture

AP Spanish Literature and Culture

French I

French II

French III

French IV

AP French Language and Culture

Social Studies Department

The Montverde Academy Social Studies Department is composed of a variety of courses geared towards

the intellectual and civic development of students. The history courses promote an understanding of our

world and how our current institutions have come to be and how these institutions shape us. However, one

of the most important functions of democratic education is to create active global citizens who understand

their world and try to shape those institutions towards a better future. Additional courses in government,

economics, religion, philosophy and psychology enhance student knowledge and provide them with the

skills to excel in college and become conscientious global citizens.

Social Studies Course Offerings:

Abnormal Psychology (.5 credit)

African-American Studies (.5 credit)

American Civil War (.5 credit)

Economics (.5 credit)

Entrepreneurship 1 (.5 credit)

Entrepreneurship 2 (.5 credit)

Gender Studies (.5 credit)

Global Politics (.5 credit)

Government Honors 1 (.5 credit)

Government Honors 2 (.5 credit)

The Holocaust (.5 credit)

Medieval Studies (.5 credit)

Multicultural Perspectives (.5 credit)

Psychology (.5 credit)

Sports Management (.5 credit)

16

Sports Psychology (.5 credit)

US History

US History Honors

World History

World History Honors

AP Comparative Government and Politics

AP European History

AP Human Geography

AP Macroeconomics (.5 credit)

AP Microeconomics (.5 credit)

AP Psychology

AP U.S. History

AP U.S. Government and Politics

AP Modern World History

Technology Department

Technology opens more doors for students than any other discipline in today’s world. Learning even

the basics will help students in virtually any career — from architecture to zoology. Just as we teach

students the history of our country, how to dissect a frog, or how electricity works, it’s important for every

21st century student to learn the history of computers, have chance to dissect an app, or learn how the

Internet works.

The primary goal of the Computer Science/Technology program at Montverde Academy is to develop

a base knowledge of how the technology that we use every day works; giving students the ability

to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create and problem solve with information in their core

subjects. This year the focus is for students to see how a deep understanding of digital technology will

allow them to productively participate in society.

Technology Course Offerings:

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.)

Introduction to Programming

Microsoft Office

Programming I

Programming II

Programming III

AP Computer Science A (1.0 credit)

AP Computer Science Principles (1.0 credit)





Fine Arts Department

The vision of the Arts at Montverde Academy is: “Growing the Arts one student at a time.” To that end

all of our offerings and programs are designed around the individual student. This assures each student

receives a flexible program uniquely tailored to his/her specific needs and interests; thereby allowing the

maximum growth potential for the individual. This growth should be reflected in increasingly demanding

curricula and performance expectations, leading to a mastery of the desired Art(s).

The mission of Montverde Academy Arts is to cultivate aspiring musicians/actors/artists in an

atmosphere where they have the freedom and guidance to grow in their skills and discipline in a setting

that fosters creativity, humanity, integrity, passion, and success.

Fine Arts/Media Arts Course Offerings:

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.)

2-D Art

Advanced Ceramics

Ceramics

Children’s Theatre

Crafts

Drawing (Graphite)

Film Production I

Film Production II

Film Production III

Graphic Design

Introduction to Art

Music Conservatory

Painting

Photography I

Photography II

Social Awareness Design

Sports Media

Studio Art

Photoshop

Piano Studies I

Piano Studies II

Piano Studies III

Public Speaking

Strings I

Strings II

Theatre Conservatory

TV Production Yearbook

AP ® Music Theory (1.0 credit)

AP Art History (1.0 credit)

AP 2-D Studio Art (1.0 credit)

AP 3-D Studio Art (1.0 credit)

18

Interdisciplinary Courses:

AP Seminar (1.0 credit) AP Research (1.0 credit)


https://montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions


17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, Florida 34756 | 407.469.2561 | montverde.org | mvasports.com

US Curriculum Guide 2022-23

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